Cable splice enclosure system with interchangeable outer housing sizes

ABSTRACT

A housing assembly for enclosing and storing cable splices comprises axially spaced end plates defining a storage space and joined by a pair of rigid torque bars. A pair of opposed housing members contoured to enclose the end plates and the storage space are releasably and sealing clamped to each other and to the end plates. Carried by one of the bars at axially spaced locations are a pair of spaced rods which support a plurality of splice storage trays in stacked relationship.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/635,396, filed Apr. 25,1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,740, which is a divisional of applicationSer. No. 08/426,624, filed Apr. 20, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,993.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is directed to a waterproof cable splice enclosureassembly. Assemblies of the type under consideration are particularlysuited for enclosing and housing fiber optic cables, and the inventionwill be described with particular reference thereto; however, theapparatus could equally well be used with other types of cables.

Many different types of fiber optic cable enclosures are known in theprior art. These prior enclosures are satisfactory to a greater orlesser degree but often have certain defects which make theminconvenient to use or prevent them from being readily adaptable tochanging environments and conditions. It is, accordingly, a primaryobject of the subject invention to provide a cable enclosure assemblythat is easy to assemble and use and which can be rapidly modified oradapted for differing uses and can be formed in a variety of differentsizes with trays and/or internal supports that allow the size and numberof splices to vary widely. In addition, the subject invention providesan enclosure that allows ready access for changing or adding to thenumber of splices in the enclosure. Enclosures according to theinvention can be increased in effective size to accommodate system sizeincreases without disturbing the previously stored splices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided ahousing assembly for enclosing cable splices generally comprising a pairof housing members having main body portions with peripheral clampingflanges extending outwardly therefrom and cooperatively positioned inopposed relationship to be clamped together. The clamping flanges haveinner end portions adjacent the main body portions and free outer endportions. A resilient sealing gasket is positioned between the inner endportions, and a rigid rib means is located at the free outer endportions. The total thickness of the rib means between opposed clampingflanges is greater than the normal uncompressed thickness of the sealinggasket such that when the clamping flanges are brought together,engagement takes place first on the rigid rib means and subsequentsealing engagement with the gasket requires application of sufficientclamping forces to produce deflection and torquing of the flanges aboutthe rigid rib means.

The arrangement described above allows the gasket to be more uniformlycompressed and provides improved gasket engagement.

In accordance with a more limited aspect, the rib means can be a rigidprotrusion formed integrally on the outer free end of one or both of theflanges and the gasket can be one or more separate gasket elementslocated between the flanges.

In addition, and in accordance with a more limited aspect, the flangesare preferably clamped together through the use of a plurality ofuniformly and closely spaced threaded connectors passing through theflanges between the rib means and the gasket means.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, a housingassembly for enclosing and storing cable splices generally comprisesfirst and second end plates axially spaced from one another and defininga storage space therebetween. A rigid torsion bar member extends throughthe storage space and has its ends rigidly joined to the end plates. Apair of opposed housing members are contoured to enclose the end platesand the storage space. The housing members are releasably and sealinglyclamped to each other and to the end plates. Carried by the torsion barat axially spaced locations are a pair of outwardly extending rods. Aplurality of splice storage trays are arranged in stacked relationshipto extend between the pair of rods. The trays have axially open endslots which receive the rods and are guided on the rods. Suitableconnecting means on the rods are arranged for releasably clamping thestack of trays together and to the rigid torsion bar.

Preferably, and in accordance with a more limited aspect, the rods thatextend from the torsion bar are threaded and the connecting meanscomprise a strap member releasably joined thereon. By the use of thisparticular arrangement for supporting the splice trays relative to theinterior of the housing assembly, it is possible to merely release theconnecting means slightly and pivot one end of the stack of traysupwardly to remove their slotted ends from engagement with the rod atthat end. Individual trays can then be pivoted out of position from thestack for access to the splices therein. This produces an extremelydesirable arrangement since individual trays of the stack can be quicklyremoved without removing the entire stack of trays. Thus, replacing oradding additional splices or cables within any tray is possible.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the preferredform of splice tray include; a molded plastic tray having a generallyflat rectangular bottom wall and spaced upwardly extending side wallsjoined by transversely extending end walls. A plurality of capture tabsare releasably joined to the tray to extend inwardly from at least theside walls at a first distance spaced from the bottom wall to overliefiber optic cable when such cable is placed in the tray. The end wallscarry outwardly opening slots generally centrally thereof for allowingthe tray to be mounted between a pair of spaced parallel rods.Preferably, the tray has an overlying cover pivotally connected at oneend wall.

In a more limited aspect of the invention, the capture tabs arereleasably joined to the tray by having a downwardly extending portionsresiliently gripped in retainer slots associated with the side walls. Inaddition, the side walls include means for allowing the capture tabs tobe placed such that they extend outwardly over the bottom wall atdifferent selected distances; therefrom.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a housingassembly that includes first and second end plates axially spaced fromone another and defining a storage space therebetween. A pair of rigidtorsion bar members extend in spaced apart relationship through thestorage space and have their ends joined to the end plates. Splice traysare supported in stacked relationship between the torsion bar members bysupports extending from one of the torsion bars. The space between theend plates is enclosed by a pair of removable main, housing members thatextend about and seal with the end plates. The size of the spaceenclosed and the number of end trays supported can be increased bychanging the housing members and one of the torsion bar members. Thiscan be done without disturbing the end plates or the stack of trayssince the other torsion bar member holds the trays and the end plates.

In the preferred form, the trays are supported in stacked relationshipby parallel rods extending from a torsion bar member with the ends ofthe stack of trays engaged with the rods. The changing of the housingand the associated torsion bar allows a greater number of trays to becarried by the rods by merely adding trays to the top of the stack.

Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, a preferred embodiment and method of which will be describedin detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a housingassembly intended for use in storing fiber optic cable splices;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the housing assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a is an isometric view showing the sealing gasket used between themain housing assembly components;

FIG. 2b is an isometric view of the modified form of upper torque barthat is used when the total storage space is being increased to itslargest size;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, somewhat enlarged, showing a detail ofconstruction (the view is taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 1);

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, somewhat enlarged, taken on line 4--4of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged isometric view showing a first form ofsplice tray useful in the housing assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5a is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 5a--5a of FIG.5;

FIG. 5b is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 5b--5b of FIG.5;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the splice tray having amodified cover and a different arrangement of retaining tabs;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the circled areas of FIGS. 5 and 6 toshow the latch mechanism used in retaining the cover members in a closedposition on the splice trays;

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the storage tray and supportassembly used in the housing assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of an alternative form of the storage areawherein the storage tray is eliminated and a cable storage area providedby using bracket members joined to the lower support bar; and,

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view showing a typical "in-use" arrangement of asplice case of the invention with the shell-like, main housing membersremoved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposesof illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and notfor purposes of limiting same, the overall arrangement of the preferredconstruction of the splice case A can best be understood by reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated therein, the main outer housing of splicecase A comprises housing assembly 10 that houses and encloses a splicetray support assembly 11. The housing assembly 10 is generally formed bya pair of closely similar, opposed main housing or body members 12 and14 which are joined together in sealed clamping relationship to definean axially elongated central storage chamber 16. The opposite ends ofthe storage chamber 16 are closed by cylindrical end plate members 18and 20 that are releasably and sealingly engaged with the main housingmembers 12 and 14 in a manner subsequently to be described.

Although the housing body components and the end plates could be formedfrom a variety of different materials using different manufacturingtechniques, in the subject embodiment, they are preferably injectionmolded from a suitable plastic containing fibers for reinforcement. Forexample, fiber glass filled and reinforced polypropylene is preferred.

The two main housing members 12, 14 are closely similar in overall shapeand construction. Accordingly, a description of the body housing 12 isto be considered as equally applicable to body member 14 unlessotherwise noted. In the embodiment under consideration, main housingmember 12 has an elongated, semi-cylindrical configuration to define asomewhat shell-like body with a main outer semi-cylindrical wall 22 thathas laterally extending clamping flanges 24 extending along eachlongitudinal side. The flanges 24 are in diametrical alignment relativeto the wall 22 and define flat sealing and clamping surfaces that arecontinuous along each side. The main wall 22 is reinforced by radiallyextending, axially spaced ribs 26 formed integrally with the wall 22.Each of the ribs 26 extends circumferentially about the wall 22 andjoins at its ends with the clamping flanges 24 as shown. In addition tothe reinforcing ribs 26, there are preferably longitudinally extendingribs 28 which extend between the axial ends of wall 22 at the locationsshown.

In order to facilitate assembly, disassembly, and use of the subjectsplice storage housing assembly 10, at least some of the ribs 26 areprovided with a radially outer contour that allows the main bodycomponents 12, 14 to rest stably on a planar work surface. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the last two reinforcing ribs 26 ateach end of the housing are each provided with a planar top surface 30that is preferably in a plane parallel with the plane of the clampingsurfaces of the clamping flanges 24. As can be appreciated, this allowsthe housings or body portions 12, 14 to rest on a planar work surfacewhile the assembly is being assembled or while fiber optic cablesplicing is being carried out and installed in the housing.

The clamping together of the main body components 12, 14 could beaccomplished with a variety of different releasable fasteners orclamping means. In the subject embodiment, however, the preferred formcomprises a plurality of threaded stud bolt members 32 carried in thehousing body portion 12 and having their lower threaded ends extendingdownwardly through the associated clamping flange 24. In the form shown,the stud bolts 32 are uniformly spaced along the respective clampingflange 24 in molded bosses 34. Preferably, the heads 36 of the studbolts 34 are retained in the bosses by capture rings that allow thestuds to be rotated but do not allow them to be readily removed fromtheir functional position in the associated bosses 34.

Referring in particular to body portion 14, it will be seen that theclamping flanges 24 of body portion 14 include openings 38 that extendperpendicularly through the associated flange at locations correspondingto the stud bolts 32 carried by body member 12. Associated with each ofthe openings 38 is a propeller nut member (not. shown) that is capturedin the bosses 40 formed on the. clamping flanges 24 of member 14. Thetwo halves 12 and 14 can thus be clamped together by the stud bolts 32.The actual clamping and sealing arrangement will subsequently bedescribed. For the present, however, it is noted that the longitudinallyspaced axial ends of each of the body members 12 and 14 are providedwith an inwardly extending end flange section 42 that is provided with acentral groove 44 configured and sized so as to receive the outerperipheral edge of the associated end plate 18 or 20.

Associated with each of the recesses 44 and the longitudinally extendingclamping surfaces of the clamping flanges 24 on each of the housingmembers 12 and 14 is a resilient sealing gasket member 46 best seen inFIG. 2A. One of the gaskets 46 is bonded into position in each of themain body members 12 and 14. As illustrated, the gasket members used inthe subject embodiment generally comprise semi-cylindrical end portions46a spaced and contoured to fit within the spaced recesses 44. Thearcuate semi-cylindrical end portions 46a are joined by A relativelynarrow longitudinally extending strips 46b. The positioning andarrangement of portions 46a and 46b can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.Note that the sections 46b run closely adjacent the inner periphery ofthe wall 22 and the arcuate end portions 46a extend downwardly into theassociated recess 44. Preferably, the recess 44 and the associatedgasket portion 46a are provided with cooperating ribs and grooves 47(shown in FIG. 4) to provide increased bonding surface and improve theretention and sealing ability of the gasket 46. In this regard, when thegaskets 46 are installed, a combination of mastic and adhesive ispreferably used. For example, a mastic sealant is applied in the centergrooves 47a and a suitable adhesive is installed in each of the outergrooves 47b.

Referring again to the end plates 18, 20, it should be understood thatthe ends plates are sized and shaped so as to be closely and tightlyreceived within the recesses 46 so as to be sealingly engaged abouttheir outer periphery by the associated gasket portions 46a in thebottom of recesses 44. The end plates 18, 20 are preferably molded fromthe same material as the main body sections 12 and 14. Referring firstto end plate 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 9), it will be noted that the plate 20has a circular outer periphery of an axial width to be closely receivedin the recesses 44. The plate 20 is a single,, unitary molding and isprovided with a continuous outer periphery having a plurality ofoutwardly extending sealing ribs So formed thereabout. Ribs 50 arearranged to sealingly engage with the gasket portion 46a located in thebottom of recess 44. Suitable cable openings 52 are formed centrally ofthe end plate and any desired number could be provided. In the subjectembodiment, there are four cable openings 52. Preferably, the openings52 are normally sealed by molded-in knockout elements that can be driverfrom within the openings 52 when it is desired to use them. Suitablecross bracing and ribs extend between the outer circular periphery andthe openings 52 and join integrally, with the main disk wall 54. Spacedmetal angle brackets 56 are shown bolted in position to the internalsurface of the end plate 20. The purpose and functioning of the brackets56 will subsequently be described.

Also formed in the end plate 20 are additional small openings 52a withone such opening associated with each cable opening 52. These openingsprovide a means for bolting cable strength member connecting brackets tothe end plates in the manner and for the purpose to be described withreference to end plate 18.

The end plate 18 is closely similar in construction, to end plate 20,but it is a three-part structure comprising a central section 58 andduplicate outer sections 60. The components are molded in theconfiguration shown and are arranged to define six cable throughopenings 62. The openings 62 can be of any desired size, either all ofthe same size or a variety of different sizes. In the subjectembodiment, however, the four outer openings are of equal size and thetwo inner openings are smaller but equal in size to each other.

The components 58 and 60 are joined in the shape and configuration shownby a pair of tie bolts 64 extending through vertically aligned openings.The exterior sealing surfaces of the sections 58, 60 are provided withradially extending rib portions in the manner of ribs 50 previouslydescribed with respect to end plate 20. The use of the three-part endplate is, in some respects, preferred because it allows the cables to beplaced in position prior to joining the end plate members if desired.Those openings 62 which are not to be used can, of course, be sealedwith suitable plugs clamped in position or otherwise plugged.Preferably, the unit is provided with plugs having opposite ends ofdifferent sizes to correspond to the two different sized openings. Thispermits each plug to be used for plugging either sized opening.

As best seen in FIG. 9, it should be noted that each opening 62 has acable strength member bracket 61 and a connecting opening 62a associatedtherewith. To explain the function of the strength member brackets, eachfiber optic cable generally carries an elongated wire-like strengthmember intended to add strength to the cables or, more accurately, tothe fiber transport tube within the cable. These strength members arecut away from the transport tubes after the cables pass into theenclosure. In order to anchor the cables to the closure, it is necessaryto affix the strength members to the strength member brackets. Further,because the strength members expand and contract at a different ratethan the fibers; themselves, it is important that the movements of thestrength member not be transmitted to the splices or the fibers. Thestrength member connecting brackets thus serve not only to firmly anchorthe cables to the closures, but: also to isolate the splices and fibersfrom movements caused by expansion and contraction of the strengthmember.

The end plates 18 and 20 are rigidly joined in proper alignment andspaced apart relationship by metal torque or torsion bar members in thenature of tie rods 63, 65 that extend between the brackets 56 on eachend plate. The lower bar member 63 is, of course, bolted to thelowermost bracket 56 on each end plate and the upper bar member 65 isreleasably bolted parallel thereto between the upper pair of brackets56. This arrangement makes the end plates and the tray support assemblyinto an independent, rigid, and unitary sub-assembly that does notdepend on the outer housing members for its structural strength andintegrity. The importance of this arrangement will. subsequently becomeapparent.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 3, the arrangement of the clampingflanges will be described in greater detail to show the arrangementwhereby an improved sealing is obtained. In particular, as shown in FIG.3, the flanges 24 on member 12 are provided at their outer free end witha rib-like protrusion 24a that extends downwardly from the associatedflange surface toward the opposed flange portion 24a of member 14. Thetotal height of the rigid ribs 24a is such that, in the normal engagedposition, the gasket portions 46b are spaced apart as shown in FIG. 3.As the stud bolts 36 are tightened, however, the flanges 24 pivot towardone another about the rigid ribs 24a and the opposed gasket portions 46bcarried on the respective halves 12 and 14 are driven toward one anotherand brought into sealing engagement. This arrangement of pivoting theflanges and deflecting them about the rigid ribs 24a provides animproved torquing and sealing of the gaskets.

After the halves have been sealed and brought together, testing ispossible to determine if a full fluid seal has been achieved. For thisreason, the main body section 12 is provided with a pressurizing valve68 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. A suitable pressurized testing fluid or gascan be fed to the interior chamber 16 through this valve to determinethe quality of the seal.

As previously mentioned, mounted within the chamber 16 is tray supportassembly 11 that carries one or more splice trays and also makesprovision for storage of excess cable. The preferred form is shown inFIGS. 2 and 8 and a modified form is shown in FIG. 8A. The FIGS. 2 and 8form is intended for use with Unitube type fiber optic cable andincludes a storage tray 69. The form of FIG. 8A is intended for use withbuffered cable and relies on brackets that provide an open space underthe splice trays for storage of excess lengths of cable.

In the FIGS. 2 and 8 form, the storage tray 69, as well as thesuperposed splice trays, are supported from the lower tie rod member 63which connects between the bottom brackets 56 and is suitably connectedthereto by releasable bolts. As previously mentioned, an upper tie rodmember also connects between the upper brackets 56 so that the two tierods extend generally in parallel and serve to position and properlyspace the end plates as well as to hold them in suitable alignment andadd substantial strength to the entire assembly. In this form, thestorage tray 69 is, as previously mentioned, directly supported from andconnected to the lower tie rod 63. Note that a pair of parallel spacedthreaded rods or bolts 70 extend upwardly from and through suitableopenings in the lower tie rod. The rods 70 have suitable spacers 72received thereon to maintain the storage tray 69 at a desired elevationabove the tie rod. In this arrangement, as mentioned above, the storagetray 69 is intended to maintain and provide a place where extra lengthsof Unitube type optical cable can be coiled and retained as maysubsequently be needed for changing or adding splices.

Although the storage tray could take a variety of differentconfigurations, it is shown as a generally U-shaped, rectangular boxhaving a bottom wall 74 and upwardly extending side walls 76. Theopposite ends of the rectangular box structure are open so as to allowready access and free receipt of the cable which is intended to becoiled and stored in the storage tray. Adjacent the ends of both thebottom 74 and the side walls 76 are a plurality of through openings 78which extend across the width of both the bottom and the side walls inthe locations shown. These openings 78 provide means by which the cablescan be firmly affixed to the storage tray through the use ofconventional cable ties or the like. At the upper end of the side walls76, there are provided removable L-shaped retainers 80 generallyreferred to as capture tabs. These L-shaped retainers 80 are releasablyretained in suitable downwardly extending grooves formed in the sidewalls 76. The retainers each have a downwardly extending leg portion 82that extends into an associated side wall recess for resilient retentiontherein. The retainers 80 can be removed during use of the assembly toallow positioning of cable coils in the tray. After positioning of thestored cable section within the storage tray, the retaining or capturetabs can be moved into position to hold the stored cable down properlyrelative to the bottom wall 74 and also, in a manner subsequently to bedescribed, support the superjacent splice trays.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 8 and the opposite end portions ofthe base 74 of the storage tray, it will be seen that there areintegrally formed thereon upwardly extending mounting post portions 84which have an outwardly extending triangular section 86 carrying acentral opening 88 for receipt of the associated threaded rod 70. Whenthe tray is moved to the position shown in FIG. 2, a nut member 89 isthreaded onto each of the rods and acts to rigidly lock the storage trayinto position on the tie rod member 70. Additional stability andrigidity for the tray relative to the housing is provided, if desired,by suitable bent metal leg elements 90 joined to the undersurface of thebottom wall 74 and shaped, sized, and positioned so as to engage thecurved inner surface of wall 22 of the main body 14. In addition, itshould also be noted that the posts 84 preferably have a suitable slotformed in their upper surface for receiving one of the capture tabs aspreviously described with respect to the side walls 76.

If desired, a suitable cover 77 with end openings 77a sized and locatedto receive posts 78 can be positioned over the storage tray 69 toprovide additional protection for the cable stored therein.

As mentioned earlier, the invention contemplates the use of brackets tosupport the superposed splice trays when the assembly is used withbuffered cable. FIG. 8A shows the preferred form for the brackets 109and their relationship to the lower bar member 63. In particular, eachbracket 109 has a general U-shaped configuration with inwardly extendinghorizonal support portions 109a at the upper ends of the legs. Thebrackets are joined to the lower bar member 63 by suitable bolts asshown. Downwardly bent tabs 109b are arranged to engage on the lateralsides of member 63. These tabs center and locate the brackets andprevent their rotation relative to the member 63. The space within thebrackets and beneath the support ports provides space for coiling andstoring excess lengths of optic cable.

As previously mentioned, one or more of the splice trays 91 arepositioned in stacked relationship above the storage tray 69 or thebrackets 109 and function to hold in an organized manner the spliceconnectors in the associated fiber cables. Although the splice trayscould have a variety of configurations, the typical and preferred formfor the trays in the subject embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5, 5A, and 5B.As illustrated therein, the splice tray 91 generally comprises arectangular molded plastic tray member having an outer peripheral sizeand shape which is rectangular and generally corresponds to the size andshape of the subjacent storage tray. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the trayincludes a flat bottom wall 90 and an upwardly extending side walls 92.The end walls are generally formed by upwardly extending integralformations with the upper end (as viewed in FIG. 5) being formed so asto provide a cable entrance area 94 which opens to the interior of thetray and includes a plurality of spaced vertically extending walls 96which define a group of separate passages through which groups of fiberoptic cable can be directed to the interior of the tray. The lower endof the tray of FIG. 5 has a contoured circular interior wall surface 98which facilitates the bending of the cable and its positioning as coiledloops within the tray. Associated with the upper interior end of thetray is a raised arcuate wall 100 which also serves to direct the cableand allow it to be suitably coiled neatly about the interior of thetray.

Like the arrangement used in the storage tray, the splice tray shown inFIG. 5 is also provided with retainers or capture tabs 80 that arereleasably retained in position by the side and end walls. FIG. 5Aillustrates the manner in which the capture tabs are held in position inthe side walls 92. In particular, the downwardly extending leg 82 ofeach capture tab 80 is releasably received in a longitudinally extendinggroove 102 formed along each wall 92. Similar grooves are provided forthe capture tabs carried in the end walls and in the inner end wall 100.

Referring to FIG. 5B, it will be seen that an inner wall portion 92a onthe interior side of the groove 102 is provided with sections varying inheight by having its upper surface provided with notches 104 that extenddownwardly from the top edge of the inner wall portion 92a. The notches104 are of a length equal to the width of the capture tabs 80 so thatthey can be received therein. This allows the tabs to be shifted fromthe upper level illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A to a lower level asdefined by the notch 104. The tabs, of course, must be shifted axiallyin so moving them. This shifting will become more apparent with thedescription of the tray form of FIG. 6. This shifting allows use ofdifferent types of cover members on the trays and also allows theretaining tabs to have different elevations relative to the bottom 90 ofthe associated tray to compensate for different quantities of fiberswithin the trays.

Associated with the bottom wall 90 of the tray are a plurality ofupwardly extending resilient webs 108 that extend generallyperpendicular to the sides and are preferably formed integrally with thebottom wall to define a multiplicity of upwardly open, transverselyextending slots. The spacing between the webs 108 and thus the width ofthe slots is selected so as to allow the connectors used in forming thesplices to be retained therein. These widths can vary at differentpoints along the row of webs 108 so that various commercially availableand commonly used connectors can be held in an organized and convenient:manner. Preferably, there are slots (not shown) through the bottom 90 ofthe tray at locations between webs 108 tea facilitate removal of thesplice connectors held between the webs. That is, the slots allow ascrew driver or the like to be inserted upwardly through the bottom ofthe tray to push the connectors out of the spaces between the webs. Thesubject embodiment also provides for the option of retaining theconnectors and their associated fiber cables in their position throughthe use of strips of double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape 112positioned in the bottom of the tray adjacent the opposite ends of theslots 110.

The tray of FIG. 5 is provided with a flat top 114 which is preferablymolded from a clear plastic so as to allow viewing of the interior ofthe tray when the cover is in a closed position. FIG. 5 shows the cover114 pivoted to an open position. Many different types of hingearrangements could be used to allow the cover 114 to be hinged to thetray, but in the subject embodiment, suitable pivot pins 116 extendlaterally outwardly from the side walls 92 and are engaged by integralhook members 118 extending downwardly from the cover 114. Preferably,the hook members 118 have the back side open so that when the cover ismoved to its upper position shown, it can be simply pulled off of thepivot pins 116.

The covers are also arranged so as to latch to the tray when they are intheir closed position. As best shown in FIG. 7, the end of the tray isprovided at each outer corner with a latch arrangement that comprises aresilient L-shaped latch member 120 separated from the remainder of thetray by an open area 122 and an inwardly extending slot 124. A smallprotrusion 126 extends into the space 122 from the side of leg 120a ofthe L-shaped latch 120. As shown dotted, the latch 120 can be deflectedto a dotted line position by application of a pushing force in thedirection of arrow 128. This then moves the latch element 126 to theleft as viewed in FIG. 7 cooperating with the latch element 127 andengageable under the protrusion 126 is a hook 130 carried on theunderside of cover 114 (see FIG. 5) and arranged to enter into the space122 adjacent the protrusion 126 to hook thereunder and retain the coverin the closed position. By forcing against the latch element 120 in thedirection of arrow 128, the protrusion 126 can be moved laterally torelease the hook 130 and allow the cover to be moved to its openposition. Although only one of the latch end hook elements 130 has beendescribed, it should be noted that a second duplicate set of oppositehand is provided at the other corner of the tray and the cover.

FIG. 6 shows a second, slightly modified form of splice tray and furtherillustrates the previously-mentioned multiple positioning possible withthe capture tabs 80. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the capture tabs 80 areshown moved to the most elevated position. In this elevated position,greater space is available in the tray for housing fiber optic cable.Also, in this elevated position, the cover element 140 is preferablyprovided with recesses 142 along its edge located to allow the side tabsto be received therein. Moreover, the center of the cover is preferablydomed as shown at 144 so that larger connectors can be housed in theslots 108.

The manner in which the splice trays 91 are engaged with and maintainedin stacked relationship on tie rod 63 is best understood by reference toFIGS. 2 and 5. In particular, the trays 91 are each provided with endformations that define outwardly open slots 150. Slots 150 are sized andspaced to receive the spaced, threaded posts 70. A stack of two or moretrays 91 can thus be positioned above the storage tray 69 and held inaligned stacked relationship thereon by posts 70. A suitable resilientplastic strap 152 is arranged for connection between the upper end ofposts 70 and functions to clamp the stack of trays down in its locatedrelationship relative to the tie rod 63 and the storage tray 69 orbrackets 109. As illustrated, the strap 152 includes end openings 154having resilient tabs 156 arranged to extend into engagement with thethreaded posts 70 and releasable lock the strap thereto. However, merelyby lifting the tabs, the strap can be removed.

An important advantage flowing from the described mounting of trays 91relative to the posts 70 is that lower ones of the trays in the storedstack can be accessed without total removal of superposed trays. Merelyby releasing the strap 152, one end of the stack can be lifted upwardlyuntil the slots on that end are free of the associated post 70.Individual selected lower trays can than be pivoted outwardly frombetween the others in the stack while the other end of the tray remainsengaged with the other post. After work within that tray is completed,it can be returned to its located position in the stack merely byreversing the procedure.

A primary advantage flowing from the housing construction of thepreferred embodiment is the ability to increase the effective size ofthe storage chamber without disturbing or disassembling the previouslyassembled space trays 91 and the overall tray support assembly 11. Tounderstand this aspect of the invention, it should be noted that, aspreviously discussed, the outer housing members 12 and 14 can be removedfrom their clamped engagement with the end plates 18 and 20 withoutaffecting the structural integrity of the remaining structure, i.e., theend plates 18, 20, tie rods 63, 65, and the storage and splice trays.Thus, it is possible to reinstall main housing members having largerinternal dimensions (so long as their end flange sections 42 correspondto the sizes of end plates 18 and 20). All this can take place withoutdisturbing the previously made-up trays.

In addition to the above, it is possible to further increase the spaceavailable for increasing the height of the storage tray stack to thusallow more trays to be installed beyond what was the maximum availableoriginally. This can be accomplished by removing the upper tie rod 63and replacing it with a modified tie rod 160 as illustrated in FIG. 2b.Note that removal and replacement of the upper tie rod does not reallyaffect or alter the end plate and storage tray subassembly's structuralintegrity. The modified tie rod does, however, provide additional spacefor increasing the height of the storage tray stack because of its bowedor upwardly bent center section. Also, if desired or necessary, theheight of the rods 70 can be increased by suitable extensions added totheir upper ends.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:
 1. A convertiblecable splice enclosure system comprising:first and second end platesaxially spaced from one another and defining a storage spacetherebetween; a pair of rigid support bars extending in spaced apartparallel relationship through the storage space and having their endsrigidly joined to the end plates; a pair of rods carried by one of therigid bars at axially spaced locations; a plurality of splice trays instacked relationship and extending between the pair of rods, the trayshaving end slots which receive and are guided on the rods; connectingmembers on the rods for releasably clamping the plurality of splicetrays together; and, a one of a first and second set of housing members,the first set of housing members and the second set of housing membersbeing adapted to selectively engage the first and second end plates andenclose the storage space to respectively define a first enclosed spaceand a second enclosed space larger than said first enclosed space. 2.The convertible cable splice enclosure system according to claim 1wherein:the first set of housing members include a first pair ofsemi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members which extend around thefirst and second end plates and are connected to each other byreleasable fasteners; and, the second set of housing members include asecond pair of semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members which extendaround the first and second end plates and are connected to each otherby said releasable fasteners.
 3. The convertible cable splice enclosuresystem according to claim 2 wherein:the first pair of semi-cylindricalopposed shell-like members include first connecting flanges that extendaxially thereof; and, the second pair of semi-cylindrical opposedshell-like members include second connecting flanges that extend axiallythereof.
 4. The convertible cable splice enclosure system according toclaim 3 further comprising a first gasket member adapted to selectivelyseal an interface between the first pair of semi-cylindrical opposedshell-like members and said first and second end plates, and between thesecond pair of semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members and saidfirst and second end plates.
 5. The convertible cable splice enclosuresystem according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of sets ofhousing members each set of the plurality of sets of housing membersbeing adapted to selectively engage the first and second end plates andenclose the storage space to respectively define a plurality of enclosedspaces of varied sizes.
 6. The convertible cable splice enclosure systemaccording to claim 5 wherein each set of the plurality of sets ofhousing members include a first pair of semi-cylindrical opposedshell-like members adapted to extend around the first and second endplates and connect to each other by releasable fasteners.
 7. Theconvertible cable splice enclosure system according to claim 6 whereineach of said plurality of pairs of semi-cylindrical opposed shell-likemembers include opposed intermatable connecting flanges that extendaxially thereof.
 8. The convertible cable splice enclosure systemaccording to claim 7 further comprising a first gasket member adapted toselectively seal an interface between each of said plurality of pairs ofsemi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members and said first and secondend plates.
 9. A convertible cable splice enclosure system comprising:anend plate; a support bar rigidly joined to the end plate and extendingfrom the end plate; a plurality of splice trays disposed in a stackedrelationship on said support bar; and, a one of a plurality of sets ofintermatable housing members, each set of intermatable housing membersbeing adapted to selectively engage the end plate and enclose theplurality of splice trays to respectively define a plurality of fluidsealed enclosed spaces of varied sizes.
 10. The convertible cable spliceenclosure system according to claim 9 wherein each set of intermatablehousing members include a pair of semi-cylindrical opposed shell-likemembers adapted to seal around the end plate and connect to each otherby releasable fasteners.
 11. The convertible cable splice enclosuresystem according to claim 10 wherein each pair of said semi-cylindricaloppose shell-like members include opposed intermatable connectingflanges that extend axially thereof.
 12. The convertible cable spliceenclosure system according to claim 11 further comprising a first gasketmember adapted to selectively seal an interface between each of saidplurality of pairs of semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members andsaid end plate.
 13. A convertible cable splice enclosure systemcomprising:an end plate; a support bar rigidly joined to the end plateand extending from the end plate; a plurality of splice trays disposedin a stacked relationship on said support bar; and, a one of a pluralityof sets of intermatable housing members, each set of intermatablehousing members being adapted to selectively engage the end plate andenclose the plurality of splice trays to respectively define a pluralityof enclosed spaces of varied sizes,each set of intermatable housingmembers including a pair of semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like membersadapted to seal around the end plate and connect to each other byreleasable fasteners.
 14. The convertible cable splice enclosure systemaccording to claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of pairs ofsemi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members include opposed intermatableconnecting flanges that extend axially thereof.
 15. The convertiblecable splice enclosure system according to claim 14 further comprising afirst gasket member adapted to selectively seal an interface betweeneach of said plurality of pairs of semi-cylindrical opposed shell-likemembers and said end plate.
 16. A method of changing the size of a spaceenclosed by a housing assembly in a cable splice enclosure assembly, themethod comprising the steps of:providing a cable splice subassemblyincluding:first and second end plates axially spaced from one anotherand defining a storage space therebetween; a pair of rigid support barsextending in spaced apart parallel relationship through the storagespace and having their ends rigidly joined to the end plates; a pair ofrods carried by one of the rigid bars at axially spaced locations; aplurality of splice trays in stacked relationship and extending betweenthe pair of rods, the trays having end slots which receive and areguided on the rods; connecting members on the rods for releasablyclamping the plurality of splice trays together; and, a first set ofhousing members, the first set of housing members being adapted toselectively engage the first and second end plates and enclose thestorage space to define a first enclosed space; providing a second setof housing members, the second set of housing members being adapted toselectively engage the first and second end plates and enclose thestorage space to define a second enclosed space; and, replacing saidfirst set of housing members on said first and second end plates withsaid second set of housing members to change the enclosed space fromsaid first enclosed space to said second enclosed space.
 17. The methodof changing the size of a space enclosed by a housing assembly in acable splice enclosure assembly according to claim 16 wherein:the stepof providing the first set of housing members includes providing a firstpair of intermatable semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members adaptedto extend around the first and second end plates; and, the step ofproviding the second set of housing members includes providing a secondpair of intermatable semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members adaptedto extend around the first and second end plates.
 18. The method ofchanging the size of a space enclosed by a housing assembly in a cabssplice enclosure assembly according to claim 17 wherein the step ofreplacing said first set of housing members includes disconnecting thefirst pair of intermatable semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like membersalong first connecting flanges that extend axially thereof.
 19. Themethod of changing the size of a space enclosed by a housing assembly ina cable splice enclosure assembly according to claim 18 wherein the stepof replacing said first set of housing members includes connecting thesecond pair of intermatable semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like membersalong second connecting flanges that extend axially thereof.
 20. Amethod of changing the size of a space enclosed by a housing of a cablesplice enclosure assembly, the method comprising the steps of:providinga cable splice subassembly including:an end plate; a rigid support barextending from the end plate; a plurality of splice trays disposed instacked relationship on said rigid support bar; and, a first set ofhousing members, the first set of housing members being adapted toselectively engage the end plate and enclose the plurality of splicetrays to define a first fluid sealed enclosed space; providing a secondset of housing members, the second set of housing members being adaptedto selectively engage the end plate and enclose the plurality of splicetrays to define a second fluid sealed enclosed space; and, replacingsaid first set of housing members on said end plate with said second setof housing members to change the space enclosed by the housing from saidfirst fluid sealed enclosed space to said second fluid sealed enclosedspace.
 21. The method of changing the size of a space enclosed by ahousing of a cable splice enclosure assembly according to claim 20wherein:the step of providing the first set of housing members includesproviding a first pair of intermatable semi-cylindrical opposedshell-like members adapted to extend around the end plate; and, the stepof providing the second set of housing members includes providing asecond pair of intermatable semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like membersadapted to extend around the end plate.
 22. The method of changing thesize of a space enclosed by a housing of a cable splice enclosureassembly according to claim 21 wherein the step of replacing said firstset of housing members includes disconnecting the first pair ofintermatable semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members along firstconnecting flanges that extend axially thereof.
 23. The method ofchanging the size of a space enclosed by a housing of a cable spliceenclosure assembly according to claim 22 wherein the step of replacingsaid first set of housing members includes connecting the second pair ofintermatable semi-cylindrical opposed shell-like members along secondconnecting flanges that extend axially thereof.